Dictionary
deterrence
noun de·ter·rence \di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-; -ˈtə-rən(t)s, -ˈte-; dē-\
: the act of making someone decide not to do something : the act of preventing a particular act or behavior from happening
politics : the policy of developing a lot of military power so that other countries will not attack your country
Full Definition of DETERRENCE
: the act or process of deterring: as a : the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment b : the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack
See deterrence defined for English-language learners
See deterrence defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of DETERRENCE
1861
Medical Dictionary
deterrence
noun de·ter·rence \di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-; -ˈtə-rən(t)s; dē-\
Medical Definition of DETERRENCE
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
Learn More About DETERRENCE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: deterrentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: determinismAll Words Near: deterrence
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up deterrence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).